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A Thought for Today
Living a good and honest life is often tedious work, but worth the time and
effort it takes.
Good Tuesday morning, let's get right to the mail.
WEEKEND PROS.....
Dear Rod, Jim and I especially enjoy your Saturday stuff, surprisingly enough we have usually heard a couple but a good laugh together helps a lot to lighten our weary minds. Best Wishes, Debbie and Jim.
Rod, you life savor. How could I get through Friday's without Pass It Along? Thanks & keep up the good work. Jack Deever, UCLA
Dear Rod, You secure my sanity all week long with your wisdom and understanding and finally you top it off with that weekly dose of THANK GOD IT'S FRIDAY (which you call Pass it along.) I make copies of Friday's Flight Plan and pass them around to everyone in the office. Now I find out its' happening all over the compound lots of us get a dose of much needed comic relief on the toughest day of the week. Now I've started doing the same with your "Saturday Stuff" on Monday mornings.
This weekend I especially loved Monkey Business, Kitchen Signs and You Know You're White Trash If. Keep it up, "Rosalind" at Microsoft.
Dear Rod loved the 'octopus' joke. Today's poem re sea and 'being' also struck a chord, as I now live by the sea [always different and always 'gets' me] After moving here after my marriage break up a few months ago...the sea has become very significant for me...Thanks for your words, they keep me 'together', especially when the black gulf threatens to engulf me. Love and blessings. Nolene
The elephant story did it for me. At 3.00pm I evacuated my humor canal! Bob D.
Dear Debbie, Jim, Jack, Rosalind, Noeline and Bob Thanks for the encouragement. I work hard at trying to be of help, but you can't please everybody. Read on. Rod
......AND CONS
Was somewhat taken aback by today's flight plan that poked fun at "white trash", with your commentary that this was an example of "better" stuff in your email. If your advocacy for tolerance is valid, is there any justification for referring to any part of humanity as "trash"--even in jest? Eunice Wlasiuk
Dear Eunice, Lighten up, you've been watching too much Jerry Springer. These are jokes, remember? Better still avoid The Flight Plans on Friday and Saturday.
My audience is wider and more diverse than you might think; for Friday's Pass it Along and "Saturday Stuff" they send me items that take on organized religion, politics, stuffed shirts, bigots, pseudo-intellectuals, sex in all its varieties, the battle between women and men, political correctness, you name it.
I get sent puns, groaners, beautiful stories, risqué parodies and personal experiences. About the only think I won't print is poetry, jokes where I have to clean up the language too much, personal attacks (unless its me that's being
attacked). Sorry, but since it's now in everyday lexicon 'white trash' is fair game.
I came from the other side of the tracks and while I've never lived in a trailer I wouldn't hesitate to do so. I have lived in boarding houses, boxcars, bunkhouses,
a church choir loft . . . I was even a 'towel boy' in a whorehouse when I was thirteen, where I had my own room to sleep in (unless business was unusually heavy). You'd be surprised what a nice class of people I met there and the ladies were sweet and wonderful to me. Not only that, it beat the hell out of going home to an abusive father and as long as my mother didn't know where I worked, nobody got hurt. The tips were great and went along way to helping the family finances.
The point is, I don't consider anyone trash, dispensable or unredeemable. I do think White Trash is a funny description and Sharon Bolling's list was quite humorous. I can't imagine her writing to complain when I poked fun at her for 'hanging around trailer parks too long.' She knows it's only a joke, even if you don't.
Sorry I offended you, Eunice, but this would be a dull place to land with only hearts and flowers and no humor. What makes it a safe place to land is that it's a haven for outsiders. Folks can come here to smile on weekends and share and feed on more serious stuff during the week.
In order to lead a better life you might consider meditating, offering your service to Hospice, Greenpeace or Habitat for Humanity on weekends ---or, if you must go online how about an inspirational chat room? Whatever. I don't plan any changes here anytime soon, so if you're worried about my 'advocacy for tolerance' being 'valid' and you don't consider humor as indispensable to a harmonious way of life. . . don't risk your weekend on a bench in this park.
By the way you can't poke fun at white trash, like kitsch it either is or isn't. Like fun, they are themselves points of view. Too bad I disappointed you, but writer's works are always better than writers themselves are. Cheers, Rod
After reading the last few days worth of flight plans I'm feeling very blessed that my computer has been "down" for an extended time. Why has your safe place to land turned into a harbor for base jokes and crude comments? Who are you and where is the real Rod McKuen? Dennis & Rebecca Brazinski
Dear Dennis & Rebecca, Huh? The real Rod McKuen just stood up (see above answer.) You'd begrudge me two days of humor when I devote six to ten hours a day every day to this site? Maybe you're right, I'm the one who needs to get a life, not you.
Tell you what, unless I get a stack of mail to the contrary I'll start leaving the weekend pages blank. I could certainly use the time off. Thanks for prodding a good idea. Rod
MY VOICE, NOW AND THEN
Rod, I love your stuff. I heard a recording of "The Ballad of the Sad Young Men" and was amazed at the richness of your voice in that recording. Rod what really happened to your voice? Still love your stuff. John
Dear John, Thanks . . . I think. When I introduced Fran Landesman and Tommy Woolf's "Ballad of the Sad Young Men" way back on the Alone After Dark album in the 50's it probably sounded more melodic than it did in the 70's on Back To Carnegie Hall, but the latter version has more character. Wonder what it would sound like if I did it now?
At any rate I explain in some detail how I lost my voice and regained a different one in the October 2nd Flight Plan of this year. You can get the story by typing in that date in the Archive Search Engine. Thanks for asking. Cheers, Rod
A WEEK ABOVE WEEK
My week had been
exceptional. The man I love has been here 3 of 3 days...unusual, as I "share" him with another woman...Yes, I am the "other woman" to an UNMARRIED man!
We have had a 3 day "love in" of sorts...with dinner, laughter and loving moments to remember....and then today, the order
arrived with the box set and books...and the numbered, signed editions...MY what an event! I had an original Stanyan Street signed, numbered, copy...once upon a
time. And sent it to Vietnam with someone who was the love of the moment...He did return, but I
don't know about the book...so, these sort of make up for the loss of that one!
I look so forward to having you, again, on the concert stage. Surely Atlanta will "make the long list"...hurry...it has been too long!
I teach school and in the late afternoons or when I am alone in the room I put my CD's on the computer and sing and laugh and cry and get sooooo much work done! For a man we fans often think of as "alone" or lost in/of love...truly you are LOVED, that is!
My heart is full of song and I will sleep warmer this night! Thank
You....and Stanyan Music! G Beetchr.
Dear G.B., Your letter is much appreciated and I'll share it with Dwight (the Head Honcho at Stanyan.) I admire you because if I were sharing a lover with someone else I'm not sure I'd feel as happy and downright giddy as you sound.
Congratulations on going forward with your eyes wide open.
Hang in there, but not long enough to get hurt. Warmly, Rod
A BOY NAMED CHARLIE BROWN
Hi. Love your song to a boy named Charlie brown (listening to it now.) I was wondering where I could get the music from the movie....especially the piece where Linus walks Charlie brown home after he loses the spelling bee. That was some beautiful music...did you compose that piece? If you did....where can I find it? Buck
Dear Buck, Glad you like "A Boy Named Charlie Brown," I loved working on the film. The Linus & Charlie "walking music" you mentioned was composed by the talented writer and pianist Vince Guaraldi. Before writing nearly all the music for the "Peanuts" TV specials, the late Guaraldi was probably best remembered for his hit instrumental "Cast Your Fate to the Wind."
All the songs and music cues from "A Boy Named Charlie Brown" are in a folio of the same name & can be purchased from Stanyan By Mail. All the best, Rod
THE CAROLS OF CHRISTMAS
Dear Mr. McKuen, I am a choir director and have been searching to find the sheet music to "The Carols of Christmas" of which the lyric adaptation and arrangement was written by
you. I had the opportunity to sing this beautiful piece over five years ago. Would you please tell me where I can locate the sheet music in Salt Lake City, Utah? I would be forever grateful. Sincerely, Annette Lyman
Dear Annette, I'm always amazed and pleased to hear how many schools, churches and civic groups now perform my Christmas songs. Thanks. The complete Carols of Christmas are available in a folio of the same name at Stanyan By Mail. You can reach them
via a link on the Home Page. Thanks again, Rod
MANUSCRIPTS
Ahh... Rod McKuen... a place I've never been. Like China, the Swiss Alps, or even the White House, your name has always been "out there", but till today I haven't come across that path, apparently so well known by others. So forgive me of writing in such blind sight, of full reverence due (surely)... Below, my reason for writing you today. k?
I recently submitted an ad on excite.com; That is, I changed a prior ad begun because it seemed I wasn't getting the sort of responses I wanted. I decided to just send words out into space, instead. I wrote a poem (to a melody in my mind, as always happens) and inserted it.
Today, I received a response by someone who said they were (ironically) listening to an album by you and Anita Kerr called "The Sea" (It includes The San Sabastian,) while reading the poem I had posted --- suggesting that it fit in with what you'd written and that I should hear your version. I've looked for it but can't find it. Can you or someone on staff, who might be reading this, help?
Also, I'm anxious to read what your heart has written and your life has sung. I guess it is what makes the music world among much else, go round. People seeking this re-affirmation of themselves in another of a like mind. Both a joy "AND" consolation. My 'Thanks'.... Sharon Brown
Dear Sharon, Thanks for writing and I'm glad you found your way to this
space. An LP of "The Sea" (sorry no CD's or cassettes) is available from Stanyan By Mail
(click on the Books and Records
link on the Home Page.)
Sorry about not reading your poem, but it's a long and very practical tradition I've always engaged in. I don't even read the poetry and prose of friends. There isn't world enough or time to read all the manuscripts I receive so instead of looking at some I look
at none. Hope you understand.
All the best of luck with your writing, Sharon and I hope the words you send out in space find many destinations. Sincerely, Rod
PHOEBE SNOW
Dear 'Poetry man', I sent this while you were painting the town red (New York?) a while ago, and have not seen reply, though I guess you have had MILLIONS! I am sure you have heard the song 'Poetry Man' by the tremendous, the one and only Phoebe Snow, my favorite singer in the entire world. Do you have any history with her? (professional of course!)
Hope you are enjoying just being...and all else. I realize more as every day passes that we need another life just to try and learn from the things we learn through this one. Reincarnation may be the answer, though I don't believe in it unfortunately! ONLY if I can come back without a conscience!
Have just read some Walter Benton, and can see where your influences lie. Beautiful.
I have loved your poems since I picked up a copy of your 'Omnibus' twenty years ago. Along with the fabulous Brian Patten, you have been a very important part of my reading life, and after 20 years in an unhappy marriage I have finally flown, and found my soul mate. The first poem he sent me was a copy of your 'God's were going by' which is a MASTERPIECE.
I also love 'Age is better' which all my friends swear they have read before, simply because it's exactly what they would write about age, if prolific enough!!!
I have been writing poetry for some time and though I understand your reluctance to be a 'critique', I would so appreciate some feedback? Would you look at it, if I sent it through the post? If not would you give me some advice on how I should go about getting a publisher?
Whatever the outcome of this mail, please enjoy your life, keep writing and discovering. I wish you nothing but good things. Yours, Cathy Logan.
PS. My favourite Brian Patten poems are 'Wound Cream, and ' A Small Dragon'. BUT my favourite poem of all time is your 'I live alone' (Listen to the warm). Wonderful stuff.
Dear Cathy, Coming back without a conscience would be like navigating without a compass. The conscious is the dependable rudder in life, without it there would be no new shore to reach. Sorry about not being willing to read your poetry, but I hope from the answer to the letter above you'll understand why.
As for Phoebe Snow, I wish I could say I had ANY kind of relationship with her, because her voice has given me so much pleasure over the years. Alas our paths never crossed.
Thanks for the kind words, Cathy, and I hope you continue writing. As you know it's food for the heart and soul. Warmly, Rod
A QUESTION LIFTED FROM THE MESSAGE BOARD
I guess I should send this to Ask Rod, but I really don't want to display my ignorance or ask a question that may be just too personal. Yesterday's Flight Plan had a poem that started:
Beretta's gone.
That voice so haunting
in the Porter / Coward song
has not been stilled
but now fills other halls,
sends new lovers home
to fresh-made bed and breakfast
in eastern cities.
I always figured Beretta must be a singer with a haunting voice, but I never heard of a singer named Beretta. I did a search on the web using that name and all I found were cars and guns. I remember an old television show from the 60's I think named Beretta, but don't remember much about it. I think in that show Beretta was a detective, but I don't really remember. Does anyone know who Beretta is or what Rod if referring to? I also thought it might have been a nickname for a lover who had recently departed the West coast and gone East in which case Rod would be the only one who would know the real identity.
Beretta is Joanne Beretta a most unusual singer I first heard in San Francisco and later in New York. Even though, with her unusual and dramatic voice, she is surely an acquired taste, I'll never know why she didn't become a household name.
Perhaps, as a Larry Hart lyric states, some things are 'Too Good for the Average Man.' Beretta's voice was indeed the rarest of pearls. As readers of this space know I'm a connoisseur of fine female singing. Joanne only had one album released that I know of and it's long been out of print. I wouldn't trade my copy for anything.) RM
I THINK OF YOU
I have a friend that loves the song sung by Perry Como. If you would kindly mail me the words or tell me where I can find them I would be very appreciative. Thank you very much. Ellen Walder
Dear Ellen, Despite the fact that Perry Como had the hit record of "I Think of You," I wrote the lyric for Petula Clark to sing. You can find the words to it along with several other songs written for Pet on a salute I did for her birthday. Just go to the Flight Plan Archives link at the bottom of this page and type in 15 November 1998. Thanks, Rod
CHRISTMAS NOW
Dear Mr. McKuen, I remember reading this poem and a number of others in a magazine, maybe "Woman's Day" or "Family Circle", many years ago. For several months now I
have been trying to find a copy of the poem.
According to your "Flight Plan" column of December 7, 1998, the poem was to be reprinted in that column/website later that month (December 1998). I can't find it in the archives for that month. Was it ever reprinted? Is there any way of obtaining that poem and possibly the others that were printed in that ladies magazine? I really like "Christmas Now" and would appreciate having a copy again, especially with everyone 'gearing up' for Christmas. Sincerely, Jeanette J. Jacqmin
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Dear Jeanette, I was pretty sure I had included "Christmas Now" in my 1971 book "The Carols of Christmas," but it turns out I didn't, nor was it in "Twelve Years of Christmas," published a couple of years later. So I'll have to dig it up for you or maybe Jay Hagan can find it.
At the risk of making another promise I can't keep, I will find "Christmas Now" and print it later in December. Honest. Meanwhile, today I'm publishing the "1975
Christmas Card" below and every day this month I'll feature poetry from both books.
THE LAST WORD: THINGS WE DO TO PAY THE RENT
Since I am not gainfully employed at the moment and knowing what writers have to do sometimes to stay alive, I asked my friend Clara (a serious writer-producer & lots of other stuff par excellence) what she is doing these days to remain alive. She is summering Abroad, where she also springs, falls and winters. This was her answer to my question.
"I am doing a second series of the show I did earlier in the year.... Stormy Katz.... about a Jewish girl whose mind melds with a leopard... In this series she discovers there are others who
were animals..... including a young male ocelot whom she falls for but may have to kill......
Kind of Buffy meets X men.... least that's what I tell them 'cos that's what they'll buy.......on a deeper level it's Orpheus in the Underworld... or the archetypal struggle between good and evil over one soul. That's what excites the writing team."
Wouldn't you love to have a look at her writing team?
Sleep warm tonight and don't forget to catch Ken's This One Does It For Me feature tomorrow.
RM 12/4/2000 Previously unpublished
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